Mr Renteria, who allegedly headed Colombia's Norte del Valle drug cartel, was handed over to US officials at Caracas airport.

BBC: Venezuela hands over alleged Colombian drug lord to US

He is accused of being a former founding member of the Norte del Valle drug cartel and is thought to be the supply source for multi-ton loads of cocaine smuggled into the United States.

CNN: Venezuela arrests alleged Colombian drug kingpin

But when Carlos Alberto Renteria, the man accused of heading the Colombian Norte del Valle drug cartel was extradited, he remained silent with his head bowed, denying the cameras the chance to take images of his face.

BBC: Venezuela hands over alleged Colombian drug lord to US